Sixty-two percent (62%) of Americans will be decorating a Christmas tree this year. A Rasmussen Reports survey finds that 22% say they’ll skip this holiday tradition while 16% are not sure. Younger adults are more like than their elders to decorate—71% of those ages 18-29 say they’ll decorate a tree, a percentage that falls to 47% for those ages 65 and older.

Of those who intend to put up a tree, more than one-third (37%) have already done so and 62% still have the task before them. But, for most it will be an enjoyable task as decorating the Christmas tree gets much higher marks than holiday shopping. Eighty-three percent (83%) consider hanging ornaments, lights, and angels to be a fun experience. Just 11% say it’s an unpleasant chore.

Artificial trees are the preference for 65% while 31% opt for the real thing. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, holiday revelers purchased almost 33 million live Christmas trees in 2005 at an average price of nearly $42.00 each.

This year’s White House Christmas tree, unveiled today by First Lady Laura Bush, is an 18 ½’ Douglas Fir tree from Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Lehighton, Penn. The tree, which fills the White House’s Blue Room, is decorated with crystal and iridescent glass ornaments.

Another popular holiday activity—attending parties—will be enjoyed by 60% of our respondents. Twenty-nine percent (29%) say they’ll skip that merriment.

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